Getting ready for USA Drone Nationals

Dad always said, “practice makes perfect.” In 2016 I applied this to the growing sport of drone racing, it’s no longer a hobby for me. I used to fly a five to six batteries per practice session and would only practice 2-3 days per week. After going to a few big races this year, I realized I needed to commit more time to the sport if I wanted to remain competitive with the big boys.

For the past couple of months I’ve been practicing every day after work and heavily on weekends. I’m trying to replicate my dedication to sports from high school. Back then, I got out of school, headed to the pool for swimming or water polo practice until 5:00pm. I would go home, have dinner, and then go to the community college for Tae Kwon Do from 7-9pm. Lastly, I spent the rest of the evening studying and finishing homework until midnight. I often feel asleep with my face in a textbook. Was it worth it in high school? Completely!

Now I am trying to do the same with Drone Racing. The sacrifice to my personal life is significant, but I love to fly and my family is supportive. I often don’t get the park until around 7pm, but it’s summer in California and the sun is thankfully out well past 8pm. I typically get home late to have dinner with my wife, Pam, around 9pm. We hang out, I make repairs if needed, and then we are in bed between 12-1am. I don’t sleep very much so I drink lots of coffee to keep me going! Kimera Koffee for days where I need an extra boost =) On weekends I try to fly 30-50 packs a day which can take a few hours.

People at public parks look at my equipment and often comment, “this looks like it takes a lot of time.” I smile and nod because they see right through me.